Borough joins reused building materials pilot

The scheme also aims to make use of good quality surplus construction supplies

A scheme where locally reclaimed building materials are reused is to be expanded to an east London borough.

Tower Hamlets Council has joined the Reuse Of Materials Using Local Unitary Stakeholders pilot, which it says is part of its response to the climate emergency.

The initiative creates a "reuse marketplace", where old but good quality materials can be bought or sold, similar to auction websites. Items can include reclaimed bricks, kitchen units and bathroom suites.

Materials from council-owned sites, such as schools and offices, will be offered for reuse, with surplus stock from public and private developments also being made available to community projects.

The council said the scheme would help cut waste, reduce carbon emissions and create a circular economy.

Shafi Ahmed, cabinet member for environment and the climate emergency, said it was a "bold and necessary step" towards a more sustainable borough.

"This initiative not only helps us build more homes in a cost-effective and sustainable way but also opens up new opportunities for green jobs and community engagement," he said.

James Adams, director at Maconda Solutions, which runs the programme, said Tower Hamlets was helping to "establish London as the world's circular capital".

The City of London is already taking part in the pilot, which is backed by research partnerships with UK universities.